EP0231623A3 - Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear - Google Patents

Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0231623A3
EP0231623A3 EP86309692A EP86309692A EP0231623A3 EP 0231623 A3 EP0231623 A3 EP 0231623A3 EP 86309692 A EP86309692 A EP 86309692A EP 86309692 A EP86309692 A EP 86309692A EP 0231623 A3 EP0231623 A3 EP 0231623A3
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
particles
rmf
donor
fluid
design
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP86309692A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0231623A2 (en
Inventor
Richard J. Fischel
Robert C. Brumfield
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HEMOLOGICS Inc
Original Assignee
HEMOLOGICS Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HEMOLOGICS Inc filed Critical HEMOLOGICS Inc
Publication of EP0231623A2 publication Critical patent/EP0231623A2/en
Publication of EP0231623A3 publication Critical patent/EP0231623A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D63/00Apparatus in general for separation processes using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D63/16Rotary, reciprocated or vibrated modules
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D65/00Accessories or auxiliary operations, in general, for separation processes or apparatus using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D65/08Prevention of membrane fouling or of concentration polarisation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2321/00Details relating to membrane cleaning, regeneration, sterilization or to the prevention of fouling
    • B01D2321/10Use of feed
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/25Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
    • Y10T436/25375Liberation or purification of sample or separation of material from a sample [e.g., filtering, centrifuging, etc.]
    • Y10T436/255Liberation or purification of sample or separation of material from a sample [e.g., filtering, centrifuging, etc.] including use of a solid sorbent, semipermeable membrane, or liquid extraction

Abstract

The present invention provides significant improve­ ments in the design and performance of a specific type of Rotary Membrane Filter (RMF) apparatus which has the cap­ ability of separating particles from a fluid having the same and nearly the same density as the particles by utilizing shear to achieve separation, not centrifugal forces. A particular app­ lication for the apparatus is in the processing of fluid suspen­ sions in which the suspensions contain fragile particles which are subject to damage due to excessive shear stresses. The prior art describes processing at constant shear rate, whereas the present invention provides the design and optimization of operation of such an apparatus at constant shear stress, which is maintained at a value below that at which significant damage to the fragile particles is encountered. The use of the invention is plasmapheresis (blood separations) is described in detail, it being understood that the teachings of the inven­ tion are also directly applicable to other fluids containing fragile particles.
The application of the RMF in a continuous flow pro­ cessing system designed to extract blood plasma from a donor is described, including return of corpuscular com­ ponents to the donor.
EP86309692A 1985-12-23 1986-12-12 Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear Withdrawn EP0231623A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/812,936 US4755300A (en) 1985-12-23 1985-12-23 Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear
US812936 1985-12-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0231623A2 EP0231623A2 (en) 1987-08-12
EP0231623A3 true EP0231623A3 (en) 1987-11-04

Family

ID=25211025

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86309692A Withdrawn EP0231623A3 (en) 1985-12-23 1986-12-12 Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US4755300A (en)
EP (1) EP0231623A3 (en)

Families Citing this family (89)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4876013A (en) * 1983-12-20 1989-10-24 Membrex Incorporated Small volume rotary filter
US4871462A (en) * 1985-12-23 1989-10-03 Haemonetics Corporation Enhanced separation of blood components
US4808307A (en) * 1985-12-23 1989-02-28 Haemonetics Corporation Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear
WO1988001193A1 (en) * 1986-08-11 1988-02-25 Hemascience Laboratories, Inc. Blood cell washing systems and methods
US4944883A (en) * 1987-01-13 1990-07-31 Schoendorfer Donald W Continuous centrifugation system and method for directly deriving intermediate density material from a suspension
US5053127A (en) * 1987-01-13 1991-10-01 William F. McLaughlin Continuous centrifugation system and method for directly deriving intermediate density material from a suspension
CH673407A5 (en) * 1987-06-24 1990-03-15 Sulzer Ag
AU621590B2 (en) * 1988-02-05 1992-03-19 Baxter International Inc. Plasmapheresis filter flow control system
US4994188A (en) * 1988-02-05 1991-02-19 Baxter International Inc. Adaptive filtrate flow control system using controlled reduction in filter efficiency
JP2953753B2 (en) * 1990-06-28 1999-09-27 テルモ株式会社 Plasma collection device
US5282978A (en) * 1990-07-09 1994-02-01 Cytyc Corporation Specimen processor method and apparatus
US5240606A (en) * 1990-07-09 1993-08-31 Cytyc Corporation Apparatus for preparing cells for examination
US5269918A (en) * 1990-07-09 1993-12-14 Cytyc Corporation Clinical cartridge apparatus
US5143627A (en) * 1990-07-09 1992-09-01 Cytyc Corporation Method and apparatus for preparing cells for examination
US5112484A (en) * 1990-10-11 1992-05-12 Zuk, Inc. Filtration apparatus
FR2668076B1 (en) * 1990-10-18 1993-04-30 Kodak Pathe METHOD FOR SEPARATING SOLID CONSTITUENTS FROM A SUSPENSION AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD.
US5263924A (en) * 1991-09-25 1993-11-23 Baxter International Inc. Integrated low priming volume centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator
US5403272A (en) * 1992-05-29 1995-04-04 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus and methods for generating leukocyte free platelet concentrate
EP0773805A1 (en) * 1993-02-18 1997-05-21 Baxter International Inc. Apheresis system incorporating alternative site for anticoagulant addition
US5387339A (en) * 1993-12-17 1995-02-07 Coors Brewing Company High efficiency liquid filtration system and method for using the same
US5585007A (en) * 1994-12-07 1996-12-17 Plasmaseal Corporation Plasma concentrate and tissue sealant methods and apparatuses for making concentrated plasma and/or tissue sealant
US5762791A (en) * 1995-08-09 1998-06-09 Baxter International Inc. Systems for separating high hematocrit red blood cell concentrations
US6251284B1 (en) 1995-08-09 2001-06-26 Baxter International Inc. Systems and methods which obtain a uniform targeted volume of concentrated red blood cells in diverse donor populations
US6527957B1 (en) 1995-08-09 2003-03-04 Baxter International Inc. Methods for separating, collecting and storing red blood cells
US6478969B2 (en) 1996-09-06 2002-11-12 Pall Corporation Shear separation method and system
US6099730A (en) * 1997-11-14 2000-08-08 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Apparatus for treating whole blood comprising concentric cylinders defining an annulus therebetween
AUPP081397A0 (en) * 1997-12-09 1998-01-08 Mcgrath, Kevin Douglas Filtration apparatus
AU2834900A (en) * 1999-02-24 2000-09-14 Anatoly Pavlovich Soloviev Membrane filter and plasmapheresis system
US6629919B2 (en) 1999-06-03 2003-10-07 Haemonetics Corporation Core for blood processing apparatus
EP1057534A1 (en) 1999-06-03 2000-12-06 Haemonetics Corporation Centrifugation bowl with filter core
SE9902697D0 (en) * 1999-07-14 1999-07-14 Astra Ab Filter device
US7713227B2 (en) * 2000-03-20 2010-05-11 Michael Wholey Method and apparatus for medical device for aspiration of thromboemobolic debris
US6692702B1 (en) 2000-07-07 2004-02-17 Coulter International Corp. Apparatus for biological sample preparation and analysis
WO2002062482A2 (en) 2000-11-02 2002-08-15 Gambro, Inc. Fluid separation devices, systems and methods
US7992725B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2011-08-09 Biomet Biologics, Llc Buoy suspension fractionation system
US7374678B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2008-05-20 Biomet Biologics, Inc. Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
US7832566B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2010-11-16 Biomet Biologics, Llc Method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a component from a multi-component material including macroparticles
US20030205538A1 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-11-06 Randel Dorian Methods and apparatus for isolating platelets from blood
US20060278588A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-12-14 Woodell-May Jennifer E Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
US7845499B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2010-12-07 Biomet Biologics, Llc Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
WO2003099412A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2003-12-04 Biomet Manufacturing Corp. Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
US7692050B2 (en) * 2003-03-28 2010-04-06 Ab-Cwt, Llc Apparatus and process for separation of organic materials from attached insoluble solids, and conversion into useful products
US8877992B2 (en) * 2003-03-28 2014-11-04 Ab-Cwt Llc Methods and apparatus for converting waste materials into fuels and other useful products
US7179379B2 (en) 2003-03-28 2007-02-20 Ab-Cwt, Llc Apparatus for separating particulates from a suspension, and uses thereof
ITMI20040133A1 (en) 2004-01-29 2004-04-29 Solvay Solexis Spa PROCESS TO PREPARE FLUOROALOGENOETERI
US7087177B2 (en) * 2004-04-16 2006-08-08 Baxter International Inc. Methods for determining flow rates of biological fluids
WO2006086199A1 (en) 2005-02-07 2006-08-17 Hanuman Llc Platelet rich plasma concentrate apparatus and method
US7708152B2 (en) 2005-02-07 2010-05-04 Hanuman Llc Method and apparatus for preparing platelet rich plasma and concentrates thereof
US7866485B2 (en) 2005-02-07 2011-01-11 Hanuman, Llc Apparatus and method for preparing platelet rich plasma and concentrates thereof
TW200732467A (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-09-01 Cwt Llc Ab Process for conversion of organic, waste, or low-value materials into useful products
US8567609B2 (en) 2006-05-25 2013-10-29 Biomet Biologics, Llc Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
WO2008127639A1 (en) 2007-04-12 2008-10-23 Biomet Biologics, Llc Buoy suspension fractionation system
US8328024B2 (en) 2007-04-12 2012-12-11 Hanuman, Llc Buoy suspension fractionation system
PL2259774T3 (en) 2008-02-27 2013-04-30 Biomet Biologics Llc Methods and compositions for delivering interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
WO2009111338A1 (en) 2008-02-29 2009-09-11 Biomet Manufacturing Corp. A system and process for separating a material
US8702637B2 (en) 2008-04-14 2014-04-22 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for optimized apheresis draw and return
US8454548B2 (en) 2008-04-14 2013-06-04 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for plasma reduced platelet collection
US8628489B2 (en) 2008-04-14 2014-01-14 Haemonetics Corporation Three-line apheresis system and method
US8012077B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2011-09-06 Biomet Biologics, Llc Blood separating device
US8187475B2 (en) 2009-03-06 2012-05-29 Biomet Biologics, Llc Method and apparatus for producing autologous thrombin
US8834402B2 (en) 2009-03-12 2014-09-16 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for the re-anticoagulation of platelet rich plasma
US8313954B2 (en) 2009-04-03 2012-11-20 Biomet Biologics, Llc All-in-one means of separating blood components
US9011800B2 (en) 2009-07-16 2015-04-21 Biomet Biologics, Llc Method and apparatus for separating biological materials
WO2011091281A2 (en) * 2010-01-21 2011-07-28 Kkj, Inc. Vortex-enhanced filtration devices
US8591391B2 (en) 2010-04-12 2013-11-26 Biomet Biologics, Llc Method and apparatus for separating a material
CN103221078B (en) 2010-11-05 2015-09-16 赫摩耐提克斯公司 For the system and method for automatization's platelet washing
US9302042B2 (en) 2010-12-30 2016-04-05 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for collecting platelets and anticipating plasma return
US8469916B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2013-06-25 Fenwal, Inc. Systems and methods for single needle continuous plasma processing
CN103429323B (en) 2011-03-11 2016-08-10 汾沃有限公司 Membrane separation device, the system and method utilizing this device and data management system and method
US10130751B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2018-11-20 Fenwal, Inc. Membrane separation and washing devices, systems and methods employing same, and data management systems and methods
US11386993B2 (en) 2011-05-18 2022-07-12 Fenwal, Inc. Plasma collection with remote programming
US20140047986A1 (en) 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Cyclone Medtech, Inc. Systems and methods for blood recovery from absorbent surgical materials
US9642956B2 (en) 2012-08-27 2017-05-09 Biomet Biologics, Llc Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
JP6158930B2 (en) 2012-09-10 2017-07-05 フェンウォール、インコーポレイテッド Membrane separator and system and method using the same, and data management system and method
US10143725B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-12-04 Biomet Biologics, Llc Treatment of pain using protein solutions
US20140271589A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Biomet Biologics, Llc Treatment of collagen defects using protein solutions
US10208095B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-02-19 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Methods for making cytokine compositions from tissues using non-centrifugal methods
US9950035B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-04-24 Biomet Biologics, Llc Methods and non-immunogenic compositions for treating inflammatory disorders
US9895418B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-02-20 Biomet Biologics, Llc Treatment of peripheral vascular disease using protein solutions
WO2015106267A1 (en) * 2014-01-13 2015-07-16 Haemonetics Corporation A container for blood component cooling and freezing
US10702647B2 (en) * 2015-03-10 2020-07-07 Viatar LLC Systems, methods, and devices for removing circulating tumor cells from blood
US9713810B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2017-07-25 Biomet Biologics, Llc Cell washing plunger using centrifugal force
US9757721B2 (en) 2015-05-11 2017-09-12 Biomet Biologics, Llc Cell washing plunger using centrifugal force
US10792416B2 (en) 2017-05-30 2020-10-06 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for collecting plasma
US10758652B2 (en) 2017-05-30 2020-09-01 Haemonetics Corporation System and method for collecting plasma
US11065376B2 (en) 2018-03-26 2021-07-20 Haemonetics Corporation Plasmapheresis centrifuge bowl
US11412967B2 (en) 2018-05-21 2022-08-16 Fenwal, Inc. Systems and methods for plasma collection
KR102443846B1 (en) 2018-05-21 2022-09-16 펜월, 인크. Systems for optimization of plasma collection volumes
CA3191947A1 (en) * 2020-09-08 2022-03-17 Sunflower Therapeutics, Pbc Cell retention device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1480406A (en) * 1974-12-04 1977-07-20 Univ Strathclyde Blood oxygenator
DE2251644B2 (en) * 1971-10-20 1978-11-30 Robert C. Dr. Laguna Beach Calif. Brumfield (V.St.A.) Device for treating blood
US4191182A (en) * 1977-09-23 1980-03-04 Hemotherapy Inc. Method and apparatus for continuous plasmaphersis
EP0112152A2 (en) * 1982-12-13 1984-06-27 McLaughlin, William Francis Blood fractionation system and method
WO1985002783A1 (en) * 1983-12-20 1985-07-04 Membrex, Inc. Filtration method and apparatus
WO1985004112A1 (en) * 1984-03-21 1985-09-26 Mclaughlin, William, Francis Method and apparatus for filtration

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1664769A (en) * 1925-07-29 1928-04-03 Henry M Chance Method and apparatus for centrifugal thickening of mixtures and clarifying of liquids
US2197509A (en) * 1936-07-14 1940-04-16 Frank C Reilly Process of and machine for separating solids from suspension in a liquid
US2398233A (en) * 1944-05-10 1946-04-09 B F Sturtevant Co Dust collector
US2709500A (en) * 1951-05-31 1955-05-31 William R Carter Centrifugal air separator for removal of particles
LU36810A1 (en) * 1958-01-30
US3183908A (en) * 1961-09-18 1965-05-18 Samuel C Collins Pump oxygenator system
US3396103A (en) * 1965-04-01 1968-08-06 Waterdrink Inc Method and apparatus for mounting membrane filters on tubular supports without laterally stressing the active surface
US3355382A (en) * 1964-07-29 1967-11-28 Waterdrink Inc Centripetal acceleration method and apparatus
US3400074A (en) * 1965-09-15 1968-09-03 Carl A. Grenci Centrifugal reverse osmosis for desalination
CH468842A (en) * 1967-10-13 1969-02-28 Maestrelli Gino Liquid filter
US3568835A (en) * 1968-07-01 1971-03-09 Int Marketing Corp The Liquid separator and filter unit
US3567030A (en) * 1968-11-29 1971-03-02 Robert I Loeffler Reverse osmosis apparatus
US3674440A (en) * 1970-05-07 1972-07-04 Tecna Corp Oxygenator
US3705100A (en) * 1970-08-25 1972-12-05 Amicon Corp Blood fractionating process and apparatus for carrying out same
US3750885A (en) * 1971-06-28 1973-08-07 Universal Oil Prod Co Strainer apparatus with power assisted cleaning means
US3771899A (en) * 1971-12-13 1973-11-13 R Brumfield Pulsator pump and heat exchanger for blood
US3821108A (en) * 1972-05-23 1974-06-28 S Manjikian Reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration module
GB1451432A (en) * 1972-10-25 1976-10-06 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Reverse osmosis apparatus
GB1550241A (en) * 1975-07-28 1979-08-08 Nippon Zeon Co Hollow-fibre permeability apparatus
US4212741A (en) * 1978-04-10 1980-07-15 Brumfield Robert C Blood processing apparatus
US4212742A (en) * 1978-05-25 1980-07-15 United States Of America Filtration apparatus for separating blood cell-containing liquid suspensions

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2251644B2 (en) * 1971-10-20 1978-11-30 Robert C. Dr. Laguna Beach Calif. Brumfield (V.St.A.) Device for treating blood
GB1480406A (en) * 1974-12-04 1977-07-20 Univ Strathclyde Blood oxygenator
US4191182A (en) * 1977-09-23 1980-03-04 Hemotherapy Inc. Method and apparatus for continuous plasmaphersis
EP0112152A2 (en) * 1982-12-13 1984-06-27 McLaughlin, William Francis Blood fractionation system and method
WO1985002783A1 (en) * 1983-12-20 1985-07-04 Membrex, Inc. Filtration method and apparatus
WO1985004112A1 (en) * 1984-03-21 1985-09-26 Mclaughlin, William, Francis Method and apparatus for filtration

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DESALINATION, vol. 35, 1980, pages 115-128, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., Amsterdam, NL; M. LOPEZ-LEIVA "Ultrafiltration at low degrees of concentration polarization: technical possibilities" *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4755300A (en) 1988-07-05
EP0231623A2 (en) 1987-08-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0231623A3 (en) Couette membrane filtration apparatus for separating suspended components in a fluid medium using high shear
CA1304309C (en) Cell processing apparatus and method
AU4152085A (en) Method and apparatus for separation of matter from suspension
EP0098150A3 (en) Serum preparator
GB2264884A (en) System and method for processing biological fluids
CA2030102A1 (en) Method and apparatus for removing solid particulates from a fluid stream
EP0097455A3 (en) Apparatus and method for processing fluids in a centrifugal force field
BR9806231A (en) Systems and methods for collecting mononuclear cells using hematocrit control of clustered red blood cells
WO2001097939A3 (en) Pressure liquid filtration with ultrasonic bridging prevention
BRPI0416850A (en) apparatus and method for separating components of a sludge
SE0002623D0 (en) System for processing transition zone material
GB2110112A (en) Method and apparatus for high-efficiency ultrafiltration of complex fluids
BR9307152A (en) System to separate solids from a liquid
Parnham III et al. Protein recovery from cell debris using rotary and tangential crossflow microfiltration
EP0122439A3 (en) Method and apparatus for enhancing the flux rate of cross-flow filtration systems
CA2118686A1 (en) Gas plasma treated porous medium and method of separation using same
NO20005665L (en) Apparatus for separating incompatible liquids of different gravity
EP0145387A3 (en) A device for the purification of gases
Ito et al. A new continuous‐flow cell separation method based on cell density: Principle, apparatus, and preliminary application to separation of human buffy coat
AU573831B2 (en) Apparatus for the separation of solid particulates from a gaseous effluent
DE68916417D1 (en) Filter system.
ES8602447A1 (en) Improvements in and relating to reject handling in cyclones and other separator devices.
McLeod et al. Complement activation by plasma separator membranes
SE9701224L (en) Centrifugal separator with rotatable sludge conveyor
IE810407L (en) Apparatus for field flow fractionation.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: FISCHEL, RICHARD J.

Inventor name: BRUMFIELD, ROBERT C.

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19880429

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19890412

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19900619

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: BRUMFIELD, ROBERT C.

Inventor name: FISCHEL, RICHARD J.